How will Second Light shelter get future funding? Here’s one piece of that puzzle
United Way of the Plains has announced a $1 million matching grant to help operations continue at Second Light, the city’s homeless shelter.
Funding from American Rescue Plan Act dollars is set to expire in the fall for the shelter. An effort to set up an endowment fund for the shelter through a city sales tax failed when voters rejected the proposal earlier this year.
The United Way of the Plains said it will give $1 million each year beginning this year and into 2028, along with $1 million in matching funds raised by the community.
“It gives us a chance to move from concern to action, from fragmented efforts to shared impact, and from crisis response to lasting stability,” United Way of the Plains CEO Pete Nájera said at a news conference. Most importantly, it gives some of our most vulnerable neighbors a chance to find support, hope, and a path home.”
Second Light Board Chair Steve Dixon called on private businesses, nonprofits, local government, and residents to contribute to the matching fund.
“No single check can complete this work,” Dixon said. “Not Second Life, not United Way, not any of the multitude of partners we have in this building, can end homelessness on their own, not the city, not the county. Functional zero [homelessness] as our community goal has to involve the entire community.”
The shelter said it takes $4 million each year to fund its operations. Dixon said Second Light’s Board will continue fundraising efforts.
“Foot stays on the gas," he said. “This is a significant gift. It makes a significant impact in the budget, however, there’s still dollars to raise. There is still community members to engage. There are still opportunities for people to get involved.”
In its second year, Second Light now provides 130 beds for homeless people. About 100 of those are part of its Shelter+Services program, which offers a bed and services to eventually transition people into housing.
The remaining 30 beds are night-by-night beds, with six of those held for people who are dropped off by law enforcement.
Earlier this year, providers began moving into the shelter to offer more services to the city’s homeless residents. Those include help with getting identification, substance use treatment, mental health and health care, housing support and more.
The shelter recently received a $100,000 donation from Ascension Via Christi to help coordinate medical services for people staying there.
Nájera said some area businesses have already expressed interest in donating to the shelter.
“We have heard from many businesses, foundations, and others who are extremely interested in this endeavor,” he said. “I think we wanted to use our leadership platform to create some momentum. Usually, when the first entity comes in, it makes it easier for others.”
Those interested in donating can do so on Second Light’s website.